Now available at European showrooms, Chevrolet fulfills the long-term promise of the iconic Corvette with the introduction of the new Stingray, the brand’s first-ever production mid-engine Corvette. The sum of everything that came before it, the new Corvette Stingray convertible in left-hand-drive and – for the first time ever – in factory-built right-hand-drive configuration are re-imagined to bring customers new levels of performance, technology, craftsmanship, and luxury. The new mid-engine layout gives the new Stingray, better weight distribution, with the rear weight bias enhancing performance in a straight line and on the track. With the Z51 package, standard on all European models, the Corvette Stingray sprints from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds .A race car-like view of the road due to lower positioning of the hood, instrument panel, and steering wheel. Excellent forward sightlines throughout the vehicle for both driver and passenger. An enhancement of Corvette’s traditional utility strengths, with dual trunks, ideal for luggage or two sets of golf clubs.
The new generation Corvette Stingray was engineered first and foremost as a convertible. It maintains the tunnel-dominant structure and use of high-integrity die-cast parts found in the Stingray coupe. Open-air driving has always been a part of the Chevrolet Corvette’s heritage. In fact, when the Corvette debuted in 1953, it was available only as a convertible. The new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible build off that heritage with the typical removable roof panel of the coupe as well as the first hardtop and mid-engine convertible in Corvette history. The team engineered the hardtop to stow seamlessly into the body, maintaining the Stingray’s impressive ability to store two sets of golf clubs in the trunk even with the top down. The convertible also keeps the coupe’s front storage compartment, which can fit an airline-spec carry-on and a laptop bag. The hardtop provides a quieter cabin, increased security, and a cleaner look compared to the previous soft-top designs.
True to its aeronautical and racing roots, the new Stingray’s canopy-forward stance was inspired by F22s, F35s, and other modern fighter jets and Formula One racing. Other classic Corvette signatures adapted to the Stingray include a distinctive face that communicates the purpose of the vehicle’s mission, a classic horizontal crease, aggressive front fenders, and familiar positioning of the dual-element headlamps. Both, the Stingray convertible’s design is inspired by fighter jets. The new Chevrolet Corvette’s exterior has a bold, futuristic expression with mid-engine exotic proportions, but it is still unmistakably Corvette. It’s lean and muscular, with an athletic sculptural shape conveying a sense of motion and power from every angle. A supercar level of craftsmanship, premium materials, and attention to detail were critical in designing every component of the Stingray. The new location of the engine is truly the focal point for the car’s design. The added attention to detail optimized the appearance of every wire, tube, bolt, and fastener, similar to those found in modern track and all-road motorcycle design.
The new Stingray’s heart is Chevy’s upgraded 6.2l Small Block V-8 LT2 engine, the only naturally aspirated V-8 in the segment. The European version produces 482 horsepower (354 kW) and 613 Nm of torque* with performance exhaust which is part of the standard equipment in Europe- the most horsepower and torque for any entry Corvette. The engine is fully homologated to meet and exceed stringent Euro 6d emission standards. During serious track driving, oil volume remains high to avoid diminished performance. The new Stingray’s lateral capability is greatly improved, so the LT2’s dry-sump lubrication system had to be redesigned to provide exceptional engine performance even at lateral acceleration levels exceeding 1G in all directions. The powertrain’s low position enables a low center of gravity for optimal handling. Perhaps the biggest update is found in the lubrication and ventilation system. For the first time ever, the base Stingray uses an engine-mounted dry sump oil system and three scavenge pumps for improved track performance. This panel features a cantilevered trailing edge to evacuate heat from the LT2 engine compartment.
The new generation LT2 is paired with Chevrolet’s first eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which provides lightning-fast shifts and excellent power transfer. This transmission is uniquely designed with TREMEC to provide the best of both worlds: the spirited, direct, and connected feeling of a manual and the premium driving comfort of an automatic. The double-paddle de-clutch feature even allows the driver to disconnect the clutch by holding both paddles for more manual control. The DCT is mated to a new Electronic Transmission Range Selector. With this electric shifter, there’s no mechanical interface between the shift lever and the transmission. The new Small Block V-8 has a torque curve optimized to take advantage of the bespoke DCT’s lightning-fast shifts. Engineers set the DCT up with a very low first gear to leverage the additional traction to get the car off the line quickly, and its close-ratio gears 2 through 6 keep the engine near the power peak on track. Tall seventh and eighth gears make for easy long-distance cruising with low mechanical stress and excellent fuel economy.
